METSÄKSI - Bridging the forestry Finnish language gap

The bachelor’s degree programme in sustainable forest bioeconomy aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge, methods and tools to be at the edge of forestry and the wider sector of forest bioeconomy. Graduates are also expected to study languages necessary in an increasingly multidisciplinary, global, and collaborative working-life, expanding their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Despite of the emphasis put on the curriculum to include more Finnish language for the international students we came to realize toghether with the students, staff and the employers  that there was a gap between the Finnish language taught and what the employers actually demand from the students. This project aims to reduce this gap by including gradually more forestry professional language in the curriculum providing the students that want to continue their career in Finland with the necessary means to do it increasing the employment opportunities.